In this Thoughtful Book, students first examine The Gardener that is presented as a series of letters. Students are asked to solve the mystery of the letters by using them to find out as much information as possible about the characters in the story. Students then compare the two characters, Lydia Grace and Uncle Jim, and discuss the influence that Lydia Grace's kindness may have had on various people. Finally, students apply the concept of acts of kindness to a real-life situation as they plan and perform an act of kindness.